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First Honorary Consul: A Milestone for the Las Vegas Filipino Community

The Filipino community in Southern Nevada recently marked a significant milestone. They celebrated the appointment of their first honorary consul, Amy Belmonte. An Inaugural Celebration Dinner sponsored by NaFFAA Nevada was held on October 13, 2023, to mark this momentous occasion. During the event, Belmonte conveyed her deep gratitude, emphasizing that this new role is a collective triumph for the entire community. (Philippine Honorary Consulate Opens In Las Vegas)

Several prominent figures, including Las Vegas District Court Judge Mari D. Parlade, Jacqueline de Joya, the President of the National Federation of Filipino American Association of Nevada, and Cirimille Paglinawan, Miss Nevada Regency International 2023, lauded Belmonte on her new appointment. Collectively, they spotlighted Belmonte’s unwavering leadership and her pivotal role in uplifting the Filipino community in Las Vegas.

Charmel Dela Cruz, on behalf of the Arizona NaFFAA delegates, expressed her deep respect for Belmonte’s guidance and mentorship. The presence of these delegates not only highlighted the expanding Filipino community in Arizona but also a sense of hope and anticipation that the region might soon benefit from the Philippine Consulate’s ongoing commitment to improve access to its services.


The Philippine Consulate appoints Honorary Consuls in the US and abroad to facilitate better access to its services. These pivotal roles are awarded to individuals who not only exhibit unwavering dedication to the Filipino community but also possess the capability to champion Philippine interests. Through their efforts, the Consulate effectively bridges the distance, ensuring that consular services and community outreach are more accessible to Filipinos in various regions.

Photo Highlights from the Inaugural Celebration Dinner in Honor of
Philippine Honorary Consul Honorable Bella Aurora “Amie” P. Belmonte

The event was a beacon of hope for many, not just in Las Vegas but also for communities like those in Arizona. The appointment of Belmonte and the presence of the Arizona delegates hinted at a promising future, where consular services continue to become more accessible to the growing Filipino communities across the U.S.

About the Author

Jennifer is an experienced business development consultant with a focus on small businesses, marketing, and promotional products. She holds notable standing within the Filipino community having actively led and contributed to a range of community endeavors and disaster relief initiatives in past years. Jennifer has previously served as Chair of the Council of Filipino Organizations of Arizona (CFOAZ) and presently fulfills the role of Public Relations for the same organization. She is also a Co-founder and current President of the Filipino American Marriage Group of Arizona (FAMAZ).

In addition to these key roles, Jennifer plays an influential part in the Filipino American community, holding positions such as Public Relations for the Arizona Chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), and being a member of the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC). She also serves as the Vice President of Public Relations for the Filipino American Business Chamber of Commerce of Arizona (FABCCA) and is Secretary of the Phoenix One World Global Artists Lions Club (POWGALC).

Jennifer Del Mar Lewis

Jennifer is an experienced business development consultant with a focus on small businesses, marketing, and promotional products. She holds notable standing within the Filipino community having actively led and contributed to a range of community endeavors and disaster relief initiatives in past years. Jennifer has previously served as Chair of the Council of Filipino Organizations of Arizona (CFOAZ) and presently fulfills the role of Public Relations for the same organization. She is also a Co-founder and current President of the Filipino American Marriage Group of Arizona (FAMAZ). In addition to these key roles, Jennifer plays an influential part in the Filipino American community, holding positions such as Public Relations for the Arizona Chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), and being a member of the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC). She also serves as the Vice President of Public Relations for the Filipino American Business Chamber of Commerce of Arizona (FABCCA) and is Secretary of the Phoenix One World Global Artists Lions Club (POWGALC).

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